Yucaipa TJ Maxx Burglary Suspect Body Slammed by 15-year-old Boy

YUCAIPA – A 25-year-old San Diego man was arrested for the robbery of a Yucaipa TJ Maxx Store on Tuesday authorities said.The suspect, later identified as Omar Cruz walked into the store located at 33478 Yucaipa Boulevard at around 8:20 p.m. He filled two large rolling suitcases with over $2000 in merchandise and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. On his way out of the store, he ran into a 15-year-old boy who was entering the store with his mother. The mother confronted Cruz over the incident and during the confrontation the alarm sounded. The mother of the teen then realized that Cruz was stealing.

Cruz got into a gray 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and along with a getaway driver fled from the store. Citizens including the teen and his mother followed the suspect to El Pollo Loco where he was confronted. Cruz attempted to fight the 15-year-old boy, who then body slammed him to the ground. Citizens then held Cruz until the deputies arrived while the getaway driver fled the location.

Cruz was found to have a no-bail probation violation warrant from a conviction for possession of stolen property. The suspect was positively identified by a TJ Maxx Loss Prevention Associate who viewed the store surveillance. Cruz was also identified by the store employee as part of a TJ Maxx theft ring who they have been searching for,

Cruz was booked at Central Detention Center for commercial burglary and his no-bail probation violation warrant.